Maltbarn Bar & Restaurant
Location: Glenfiddich Distillery, Dufftown, Scotland
Client: William Grant & Sons
Type: Public | Completed: 2012
Materials: Oak and Leather furniture, Epoxy Resin, Slate & Stone
Features: Showcase furniture for rare bottles, Bespoke ash bar, LED lighting integration, Helical staircase design
Our client’s brief:
The brief was to design and fit out the first building constructed by William Grant & Sons, transforming it into a space that evokes the warmth and charm of a traditional bar. The design allows guests to enjoy exclusive site-specific malts, with an upper-level meeting area, reception space, and a restaurant, all seamlessly integrated into the historic setting.
Original concept for Maltbarn Bar - Elevation and Plan Drawing
The core brief centred around creating a traditional Scottish whisky bar, and our design concept was inspired by whisky's deep-rooted connection to time and tradition. We began with a design motif based on Glenfiddich’s iconic 12, 15, 18, and 21-year-old whiskies, with the clock representing the passage of time in the whisky-making process.
The bar itself is crafted from oak and epoxy resin, allowing LED lighting to shine through, creating a warm, inviting glow. The gantry wall features stone and slate, complemented by interlocking oak shelving, all working harmoniously to create a space that reflects the rich heritage of the Glenfiddich whisky.
One of the primary design challenges was incorporating a fluid, helical spiral staircase into the space, ensuring a seamless transition between the bar and restaurant area and the upper-level meeting space. The staircase had to integrate smoothly with the overall aesthetic while also being practical and compliant with building regulations, particularly due to its placement in a public area. The design successfully balanced functionality with visual appeal, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for meetings, social gatherings, and dining experiences.
The extended bar features a striking curved profile at the front, beautifully crafted with oak and subtle epoxy resin details. The resin gently flows through the oak, highlighting the natural grain and adding a refined, modern touch. The design also incorporates random-width paneling, creating a dynamic, textured quality that enhances the natural warmth and elegance of the materials. The bar is held by a solid stone plinth, grounding the design with a sense of strength and timeless sophistication.
